Electric Potential outside of a spherical conductor

In summary, the formula for calculating the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor is V = kQ/r, and it decreases with increasing distance from the sphere due to the weakening of the electric field. The electric potential can be negative if the charge on the sphere is negative, and it is directly related to the electric field, with the direction of the field pointing towards regions of lower potential. The electric potential outside of a spherical conductor is constant and only dependent on distance, while inside the sphere it varies and is affected by the charge distribution.
  • #1
eagle9333
1
0

Homework Statement



The potential outside of a spherical conductor is given by V = keQ/r. Using Er = -dV/dr, derive the electric field outside this charge distribution.



The Attempt at a Solution



I attempted to take the negative derivative of V being -1/(r2) and then multiplying it by Ke and Q as they're both constant. But alas it says it is wrong so I am stuck. Help?
 
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  • #2
I think you got the sign wrong. The two negatives cancel each other
 

Related to Electric Potential outside of a spherical conductor

What is the formula for calculating the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor?

The formula for calculating the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor is V = kQ/r, where V is the electric potential, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the sphere, and r is the distance from the center of the sphere.

How does the electric potential change as the distance from the spherical conductor increases?

The electric potential decreases as the distance from the spherical conductor increases. This is because the electric field created by the charged sphere becomes weaker with increasing distance, resulting in a lower potential.

Can the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor be negative?

Yes, the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor can be negative. This occurs when the charge on the sphere is negative, resulting in a negative value for the electric potential.

What is the relationship between the electric potential and the electric field outside of a spherical conductor?

The electric potential and the electric field outside of a spherical conductor are directly related. The electric field is the negative gradient of the electric potential, meaning that the direction of the electric field points towards regions of lower potential.

How does the electric potential outside of a spherical conductor differ from that inside the sphere?

The electric potential outside of a spherical conductor is constant and only dependent on the distance from the center of the sphere, while the potential inside the sphere varies and is also affected by the distribution of charge within the sphere.

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